This was the first time Zhou Xiaoya had been criticized like this, and she said angrily, "That's a bit too much. I was just reminding someone not to have any inappropriate thoughts."

This way of speaking is so unique, so unique that Feng Tao wanted to punch her.

"Ma'am, you're not young anymore, yet you're so nosy. Look at those deep crow's feet around your eyes, be careful not to age prematurely."

"No wonder Zhou Lichen doesn't want to talk to you. If I had a sister like you, I would be furious."

If Feng Tao were to actually hurl insults, no one could out-argue him.

Now Zhou Xiaoya's face was flushed, her face was twitching with anger, and the wrinkles on her face were even more pronounced.

"Aren't you just researchers? What's so great about you? Do you really think you've come up with some groundbreaking project?"

In her mind, researchers were a bunch of poor bastards, idiots who only had high IQ but not EQ.

Otherwise, why would they spend money to conduct research?

These words struck a nerve with all the researchers present, even though the two academicians had been having a pleasant academic exchange.

Upon hearing this, his face immediately darkened.

Everyone quietly gathered around, and the guards all stared at Zhou Xiaoya expressionlessly.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet. Zhou Xiaoya took a step back. "What...what are you doing?"

She suddenly realized what she had just said, and broke out in a cold sweat. She hadn't meant to; she had just been so angry that she said those words.

However, she was speaking from the bottom of her heart; she truly looked down on these researchers.

Li Chuchu snorted coldly, "Looking down on us researchers? If it weren't for the researchers working day and night on our research, would you have the opportunity to travel abroad on a warship?"

"The telephones, fans, air conditioners, and even the clothes you wear were all developed from scratch."

"Are you representing yourself or your parents' attitude? I'm quite curious which mayor raised a rich girl who looks down on scholars."

Lin Chuchu's voice was strong and clear, as if striking the hearts of everyone present. Among those present were not only researchers, but also many soldiers and even leaders from the ship.

"The researchers worked countless overtime hours to make China better, which led to the opportunity for China to participate in the military exercises at the request of the other side."

Do you think you can earn respect from others just by talking?

Lin Chuchu herself is a researcher, but she also respects other industries and believes that every industry has its purpose.

Lin Chuchu hadn't expected Zhou Xiaoya to be so prejudiced against the researchers. Regardless of Zhou Xiaoya's perspective, Lin Chuchu wouldn't allow anyone to insult the researchers.

Zhou Xiaoya looked at her serious expression and the overwhelming anger in her eyes.

She remained silent and retreated, not out of fear, nor because she thought the other person was right, nor because she had changed her mind.

She just felt she couldn't argue with the other person anymore, otherwise she would definitely be criticized.

After assessing the situation, she lowered her face slightly and said with shame.

"I'm sorry, I misspoke. I apologize. I shouldn't have spoken so carelessly."

Her tone was stiff, and Lin Chuchu knew that the other party didn't genuinely feel she was wrong; she was just being pragmatic and apologizing temporarily.

Although Lin Chuchu didn't like the person in front of her, she couldn't let things escalate further. They hadn't even arrived abroad yet, and they couldn't afford to have internal strife.

Lin Chuchu rubbed her temples, her tone softening, "You shouldn't apologize to me..."

Lin Chuchu stepped aside, allowing Zhou Xiaoya to face the academicians and researchers directly.

Zhou Xiaoya had never experienced such humiliation in her life. She glanced coldly at Lin Chuchu and gritted her teeth, determined to get revenge.

Zhou Xiaoya knew that she had to apologize, otherwise no one could protect her.

She bowed sharply and said softly to everyone, "I'm sorry, it was my fault, I apologize to everyone."

The matter was dropped, but Zhou Xiaoya was still criticized. The ship's commander personally called her to his office and reprimanded her.

"I know you are capable, but it's not like we can't do without you. Don't think too highly of yourself. There are some people you can't afford to offend."

It's normal for young people to have both ability and pride, but if they go too far, no one can protect them.

Zhou Xiaoya gritted her teeth, her heart filled with resentment, and asked in a low voice, "Chief, who exactly is this Lin Chuchu?"

The commander gave her a strange look. "Trying to get revenge? She's someone you... and even your father can't afford to offend."

Zhou Xiaoya was startled, and a new guess about Lin Chuchu formed in her mind.

Does Lin Chuchu have a powerful backer? Who is that backer? A high-ranking leader?

With questions in her mind, Zhou Xiaoya was kicked out of the leader's office, and at the same time, her position was demoted from first translator to second translator.

If she performs well, that's fine; otherwise, Zhou Xiaoya can forget about setting foot on Eagle Country's territory and will have to stay on the ship.

When Zhou Lichen learned about this, he went to apologize to Lin Chuchu in person.

"Comrade Lin, I'm so sorry, I didn't expect her to say those things."

This also proves that my uncle's family is still the same as before. Because they are well-off and my uncle is in politics, they look down on them.

If possible, he would never want to work with Zhou Xiaoya.

Lin Chuchu smiled and shook her head. "It's okay, I didn't take it to heart. Besides, she has already been punished."

In her opinion, this was just a small matter. As long as Zhou Xiaoya didn't cause her any trouble in the future, she would pretend that the other party didn't exist.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Lichen breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help but sigh, "We're both women, how can there be such a big difference?"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!